Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Earlier this summer, lawmakers passed and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a tax cut package that slashes roughly $2.4 billion in property and income taxes over the next three years. The law reduces state income tax brackets from three tiers to two and eliminates the state tax on Social Security benefits, among other things. Do you think the most recent tax cut bill provides enough relief for Kansans? Why or why not? If elected, would you seek more tax cuts and, if so, what would that look like?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
District 30
Betsey Lasister (Democratic)
As a two-parents working household, a childcare tax credit would have really helped my family when our two kids were both in daycare. It’s this kind of meaningful relief targeting hard-working Kansas families that I will prioritize as a member of the State Legislature.
I applaud the bi-partisan tax plan that passed this year, but there is more to be done. Thanks to prudent fiscal management by Governor Laura Kelly’s Administration, we are in a strong position to continue pursuing meaningful, sustainable tax relief that would benefit all Kansans without bankrupting our State.
I support pursuing policies that ensure corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. Steps such as revaluating the property tax formula to provide relief for seniors on a fixed income, diversifying the tax base, and reinstating homestead exemptions cut during the Brownback experiment and the Local Ad Valorem Tax Deduction would help to address the growing burden on our residents.
Meanwhile, so many of the plans we’ve seen from the Republican Supermajority, such as a flat tax proposal that my opponent supported, would disproportionately benefit the very top wage earners in our State. I’m focused on tax cuts that would help our seniors and families, thereby truly strengthening our community.
Laura Williams (Republican, incumbent)
I voted last term to lower taxes for all Kansans while also protecting the concerns of constituents with keeping a balanced budget. Alongside with lowering taxes, I also fought to include the childcare tax credit which passed into law. I supported the elimination of the state’s income tax on Social Security benefits. We also lowered the state income tax rates.
There is still work to do on lowering property taxes for Kansans and will be a top priority for me going into my next term. We need to continue to fully fund public education and focus on constructing a balanced state budget.
